The many faces of self-employment

I'm lucky enough to know a lot of people all over the world for various different reasons. Friends, family, work, acquaintances etc etc etc

I want to focus on a rather special breed of people today - The Self Employed.

After a conversation with a good friend of mine recently  (who also happens to be self employed), I got thinking. Ouch.

Out of all the people I know, self employed people wear the most masks. They are the most two faced people on the planet. Now, before you go organising a hate campaign against me, let me explain what I mean.

If an employed person feels ill and they don't go to work the company / team / office cover the job and the world continues turning.
If a self employed person calls in and can't work. hahahahahahahaha sorry that doesn't happen. Self employed people will put on a mask and just get on with it. We're a different breed. If we stop, the world stops with us. or at least our world does. unless we're lucky to have a business partner or the like.

So why do these situations make us two faced? Well the definition of two faced is "someone who is insincere or who acts one way in certain situations and then in a contrary manner in others." (Thanks Google). 
A self employed person will tell you everything in the world is perfect, they'll plaster on a smile, get your work done and soldier on. You'll not see the other side of things where they're exhausted and just haven't got the energy to go on any more. These people will stand at shows and events for 10 hours, smiling at you and making you feel welcome, answer your questions and you wouldn't be able to tell that they are in mental and physical pain, they're exhausted and all they want to do is curl up and sleep.

The self employed don't have the luxury of a clocking off time or a set weekend. Not really. If it seems that way to the outside world it's probably because the self employed person has just pulled a 90 hour week so they could enjoy a rare long weekend. They'll then have to do it all again the following week just to catch up.

I've been thinking about the mask of a self employed person for a very long time and it's nice to see, after talking with other self employed people that i'm "normal". You will not hear me saying that very often.

So, this Christmas season, why not give a self employed person a hug. Because I guarantee they'll need it, even if they are smiling and laughing. They will be wearing a mask, because that's what they do. They will tell you everything is ok - not because they want to lie but it's easier that way.

Much Love
Miss Make It Happen

Twitter - Facebook

I. AM. ME.

To my family I am someone. To my friends I am another. 

I wear many hats and I am one person. 

I can be loving, I can be an arsehole. 

I can be moody, I can be hilarious. 

I am a rock, I crumble. 

I've had my heart broken in times of weakness, I have picked up the pieces in times of strength. 

I am charitable, I hate sharing. 

I'm a good person, I am a bad person. 

I am a lover, I am a fighter

I've been proud of myself and i've been ashamed

I've done great things and things I wish I could forget

I like to be alone, i like to be the centre of attention. 

I like people to think I have a heart of stone,  I just want to be cuddled and loved. 

I will hold your hand in times of trouble whilst looking away to hide my own tears. 

I sacrifice for others, I am selfish

I am the definition of contradiction. 

I am....a lot of things, I am one thing. I. AM. ME. 

through all my strengths, weaknesses, pros, cons, successes and failures, I try to be true to me. 

I am Dee 

xXx

It Feels Like I've Known You Forever...

Two things happened to me yesterday that really stood out.

Firstly, I met up with an old friend who I haven't spoken to for over a year. We'd had a falling out some time back and we were meeting to build bridges. When I saw him, it felt like the past had never happened. We were meant to be friends and be involved in each others lives. Life is too short to hold grudges and keep people in the dog house. Turns out we'd been absent from each others lives during a massive turning point for both of us. If we had stayed friends would we have helped each other or been a hindrance, who knows? The important point is we were now talking again. Unfortunately, we only had about 90 minutes to catch up but in that time I couldn't help stare at my friend. His smile, his animated hand gestures, his passion for his work. He'd been through a lot and he was now happy. In fact, we were both happy. It didn't matter what happened in the past, My friend was happy and that's the important part. I'm happy for him. (Lots of 'Happy' in those last few sentences, did you pick up on that?)
If you are holding a grudge against an old friend, ask yourself this - If they died tomorrow, would you feel sad / miss them? If the answer is yes, pick up the phone and make amends. My friendship was salvaged because I received a text message that simply said 'I Miss You'. Do something today, before it's too late.

Secondly, I had a dinner booked. 2 of the people I knew and had previously met before, and the 3rd I had only ever spoken to on social media. We'd talked a lot and got to know each other but I was somewhat surprised how natural our friendship was after meeting for the first time. It was as if we'd known each other for years. Never underestimate the importance of building relationships over social media.Not everyone is a keyboard warrior / stalker / rapist. It really takes the awkwardness out of initial meetings!

Until Next Time,
Much Love

Miss Make It Happen

www.MissMakeItHappen.co.uk
www.twitter.com/MIH_Dee

There's an app for that!

Almost everyone reading this blog will know what an 'App' is. If you don't here is a brief outline -

'A self contained program or piece of software designed to fulfill a particular purpose; an application, especially downloaded by a user to a mobile device'

Now i'm no techno-geek but I know what i like when it comes to apps and gadgets. I know how simple they can make your life but what i didn't know was how much work goes in to creating them.

You've probably used the phrase 'There's an app for that' at some point in the last few years. We grab our smart phone and head to the app store (or equivalent) to make our lives easier or more enjoyable. But who are the brains behind these apps? who designs, codes, and brings them to life?

One company I have had the pleasure of coming across is Appware. You can check them out at www.appware.co.uk. The MD, Richard Eaton, is the coolest geek i've ever had the pleasure of meeting. He took the time to explain what appware do and how apps work. The guy needs a medal.

So what do Appware do? 
Appware develop smartphone apps, bespoke web apps, SaaS solutions and offer web design. and online / e-marketing. They are certified developers with all the major mobile phone platforms including iPhone, iTouch, iPad, Android, Windows Phone 7, Blackberry, WebOS and Symbian. They provide custom solutions which fit the way you work and pull together all of your existing data and applications. Appware pride themselves in their innovative approach to solving complex and inflexible business issues. Because of their expertise in web development, mobile websites, and mobile apps, they can be your one stop shop and build you a system that allows you to use that same data across all of these platforms. You can check out their blog here.

Appware are currently based in Leeds but they have BIG news. As of 01/05/14, yes that's tomorrow, they will also be launching their office in LONDON! How great is that? its fantastic to see a local business spreading its wings over the nation.

If you are considering having an app built I thoroughly recommend talking to Appware. You can contact them in a number of ways -
Leeds     - 0113 397 0401
London   - 0203 637 1192 (from 01/05/14 09:00)
info@appware.co.uk
www.appware.co.uk

Appware have the official MMIH seal of approval.



Hope you all have a great week.

Until next time, keep smiling.
Miss Make It Happen

Dee@MissMakeItHappen.co.uk
www.MissMakeItHappen.co.uk
www.twitter.com/MIH_Dee

Who Made It Happen

As I mentioned in my last blog, this company wasn't totally my idea. It came about after friends who I made through business networking gave me the nudge. I say nudge, it was closer to a baseball bat to the head.

The idea came about in 2013 but in reality the journey started on 3rd October 2011. The day I joined 4Networking. I'd never attended any networking events in the past and online forums were completely alien to me. I set my fears aside, booked in to my local group, 4N Romford, and hoped for the best.

Never in all my life have I been welcomed so warmly by so many strangers. People who wanted to know about my business, offer help, support and guidance. I stepped out of the shadows of the business world and finally felt like I belonged. I wasn't alone any more. This First Stage I was known as 'Dionne Atkins of Phoenix Personnel Consultancy Ltd'. I had been in the recruitment industry for nearly 10 years at the time, and had started Phoenix in 2010.

Over the next couple of years I would grow my business and grow as a person with the support of the 4Networking family. I started to build solid business relationships and friendships with the members, directors and associated companies of 4N. This wasn't on a local scale, these relationships built all across the UK thanks to the business shows, social events and online forum. Not to mention the fact I could network at any of the 5000+ networking events spread all across the UK.

4Networking and the people I have met changed my life. I'm scared to start mentioning names in case i miss someone!

Back to the present day and I was inspired to start Miss Make It Happen. I wanted to give back to all those people that had helped me. MMIH is a problem solving, workload reducing, helping hand to all those busy business owners. We do the things that you don't want to do, can't do, and or just don't know how to do. If we cant help you we have a wealth of recommendations of other companies that can. All tried, tested and with glowing references.

If you need a boost in life or business then I would suggest joining 4Networking.Or you could just contact me!

I said I wasn't going to mention names but I do need to mention 3 authors and a Brownie maker...

Firstly - Brad Burton author of 'Life. Business.Just got easier'. EVERYONE should own this book. If you buy the book I personally recommend page 95... You'll see why ;) Also, check him out at http://bradburton.biz 

Secondly - Stefan Thomas of 'Business Networking For Dummies'. Everyone who wants to start networking or get the most out of networking should buy this book. You can find Stef at http://www.noredbraces.co.uk

Thirdly - Dougie Brimson - BRILLIANT author and screenwriter. 'The Crew' 'Top Dog' 'The Art of Fart' 'Billys Log' amongst a few, have kept me company on many a long train journey, late nights and alone time. BUY HIS BOOKS!  Dougie is not just an author he is also a Falklands veteran... You can read his story here... http://dougiebrimson.wordpress.com/2012/04/02/falklands-war/

Finally - The brownie makers that are 'The Chock Shop' - I once tweeted that I was feeling down. To be honest I was really low, and they sent me a free box of 6 mixed brownies to cheer me up! who doesn't like brownies? They are so beautifully presented they make a great present.

So that's it for another week. 

Remember you are not alone

Until next time, Much Love

Miss Make It Happen. 

www.missmakeithappen.co.uk
twitter: @MIH_Dee
FB: Facebook.com/MIHDee